UK Skilled Worker Visa

UK Skilled Worker Visa Overview

Key Feature	Details
Replaced	Tier 2 (General) Work Visa
Eligibility	Job offer from UK licensed sponsor
Minimum Salary	£26,200 or going rate for occupation (whichever is higher)
Visa Duration	Up to 5 years (extendable)
Settlement Pathway	Eligible after 5 years
Processing Time	3-8 weeks

Eligibility Requirements

For Applicants:

• Job offerfrom UK employer with valid sponsor license
• Occupationon eligible jobs list (SOC code)
• Salarymeets threshold (£26,200+ or occupation-specific rate)
• English languageproficiency (B1 level)
• Maintenance funds(£1,270 for 28 days) unless fully sponsored

For Employers:

• Must hold valid UK sponsor license
• Pay Immigration Skills Charge(£364-£1,000 per year)
• Prove resident labor market test(unless exempt)

Shortage Occupation List Benefits

Jobs on the Shortage Occupation Listreceive:

• 20% salary discount threshold
• Lower application fees
• Priority processing

Current shortage occupations include:

• Healthcare professionals
• Engineers
• IT specialists
• Teachers in specific subjects

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Secure job offerfrom licensed sponsor
• Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Prepare documents:
  • Passport
  • Proof of English
  • TB test (if required)
  • Maintenance funds
• Apply online(up to 3 months before start date)
• Pay fees:
  • Application fee: £719-£1,500
  • Healthcare surcharge: £624/year
• Biometrics appointment
• Decision(standard 3 weeks, priority 5 days available)

Salary Requirements

Scenario	Minimum Salary
General threshold	£26,200
New entrants	£20,960
PhD-level jobs	£23,580
Shortage occupations	80% of going rate
Health/education jobs	National pay scales

Note: Must meet both general threshold AND occupation-specific rate

Bringing Family Members

• Spouse/partner and childrencan apply as dependents
• Dependents can workwithout restrictions
• Additional £285-£1,560per dependent
• Must show £630 maintenanceper dependent

Switching & Extending

Switching From:

• Student visa
• Graduate visa
• Other work visas

Extensions:

• Can extend multiple times
• Maximum continuous stay: 5 yearsbefore settlement

Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

Requirements:

• 5 years continuous residence
• Still employed with sponsor
• Meeting salary thresholds
• Passing Life in the UK test
• B1 English or higher

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Incorrect CoS details
• Insufficient maintenance funds
• Failed criminal record check
• Missing English proof
• Salary below threshold